An empty field can become many things. Plant some seeds, and you may end up with enough food to feed a village! 

Growing up, Michel Éprinchard loved to explore his family’s land in the French town of Clussais-la-Pommeraie. But when he grew up and the land became his, he didn’t know what to do with it. It grew nothing but weeds. Then he got an idea. Why not give the land to the town and ask that it be used to grow food for the community?

Éprinchard made a deal with the town government. He would give the land to the town if the government turned it into a garden and orchard that all the residents could use. The project would cost about $12,000. 

“The first [requirement] is to create a garden with specific varieties of fruit trees,” Éprinchard told Franceinfo. “The second [requirement]…is that the entire community can benefit from it, shared among all.”

Town mayor Étienne Fouché accepted the deal. Planting began last year, with many residents volunteering to help transform the field into an orchard—a place where fruit trees grow. By early 2026, there were 50 saplings, or baby trees. Eventually, there will be nearly 100 trees, plus flowers and more. There will even be an area where people just hang out and enjoy the fresh air.

“There are apple trees, pear trees, and plum trees,” Mayor Fouché said. It will take about four years for the trees to start bearing fruit. In the meantime, the town is working hard to keep them healthy, knowing there will eventually be a sweet reward.

 “Now we will let them grow,” said Mayor Fouché. “We will monitor the diseases, we will take care of the soil, and then people will come to pick their own apples or make jam.”